micropyle

American  

[mahy-kruh-pahyl] / ˈmaɪ krəˌpaɪl /

noun

1. Zoology. any minute opening in an ovum through which a spermatozoon can enter, as in many insects.

2. Botany. the minute orifice or opening in the integuments of an ovule.

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micropyle British  

/ ˈmaɪkrəʊˌpaɪl /

noun

1. a small opening in the integuments of a plant ovule through which the male gametes pass

2. a small pore in the shell of an insect's eggs through which the sperm passes

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micropyle Scientific  

/ mī′krə-pīl′ /

1. A minute opening in the ovule of a seed plant through which the pollen tube usually enters.

2. A pore in the membrane covering the ovum of some animals through which a spermatozoon can enter.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• micropylar
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of micropyle

1815–25; micro- + Greek pýlē gate

Example Sentences

Micropyle, the closed orifice of the seed, 110, 126.

From The Elements of Botany For Beginners and For Schools by Gray, Asa

Micropyle, answering to the Foramen or orifice of the ovule.

From The Elements of Botany For Beginners and For Schools by Gray, Asa